After a little thought, I've decided Thirsty Thursdays will be every other Thursday. I doubt I'll run out of drink ideas for you, but this ensures a steady supply. So stay thirsty!
For this weeks beverage, I've chosen something as much dessert as it is drink. The other night with friends over for dinner I, surprisingly, had no dessert around. My poor ice cream maker is a little under the weather, so that's why the lack of ice cream treats. If anyone knows where I can get a Krups ice cream maker please let me know in the comments. With the recent summer-like heat here, the thought of cake or similar didn't seem to appeal. In the winter a quick dessert in our house is often Hot Chocolate. Its fast, satisfying and comforting. So as with almost any beverage, why not enjoy it cold. The name doesn't seem to really do it justice. More like Chocolate Milk, but richer since there is no chocolate syrup just real chocolate, the reference to that wintertime drink we all enjoy seems to describe it perfectly. A splash of Creme de Menthe makes it ice ice, baby!
Keep a pitcher of these around this summer. You'll be surprised how refreshing these are.
Icy Hot Chocolate
2 cups milk, 2% or whole
1/2 cup water
3 Tbsp sugar
4 oz bittersweet or semi sweet chocolate, chopped
1 oz milk chocolate
1/3 whipping cream
creme de menthe, (optional)
ice cubes
grated chocolate
Prepare the "hot chocolate:
Bring milk, water and sugar almost to the boil. Add chocolates reduce heat slightly, sitrring often. Taste for sweetness, adding more sugar if needed. It should taste slightly too sweet. Cook until completely melted and the mixture just starts to boil. Remove from heat. Cool to room temp and then transfer to a jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate until very cold.
When ready to serve:
Whip cream until soft peaks form. When ready to serve, fill glasses half full with ice cubes and a splash of creme de menthe. Shake jar for 1 minute until light and frothy. Pour into glasses, top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
